Public Media News March 2017

Arkansans Trust AETN

Recent Nielsen data shows that PBS and its member stations are America's most trusted institution and an excellent use of tax dollars for the 13th consecutive year. (Source: CARAVAN ORC International, January 2016)

AETN is Arkansas's statewide public service media outlet and is a PBS member station.

Teaching Arkansans

ArkansasIDEAS is proud to join the Arkansas Department of Education Reading Conference March 6-7 at the Hot Springs Convention Center. Be sure visit our booths in the exhibit hall to find vital information about our free professional development courses related to reading and dyslexia. ArkansasIDEAS will also have special information in support of Arkansas RISE reading initiative for educators who provide reading instruction. Find additional information about the conference and how you can join us at: to.aetn.org/ADEReadingConferenceForARSchools.

AETN Educational Services

AETN is Arkansas's largest classroom, and we are dedicated to impacting student achievement across the state. Continue learning by connecting to our dedicated resources for educators, parents and students.

THIS MONTH

"Dream Land: Little Rock's West 9th Street" Preview Screening

Explore the history of Little Rock's former African-American cultural epicenter in a special preview screening of the AETN original documentary "Dream Land: Little Rock's West 9th Street" at Ron Robinson Theater Friday, March 31.

Told by historians and local residents, the film will explore the once vibrant African-American business and entertainment district and home to Taborian Hall and the Dreamland Ballroom. Tracing the district's rich history - from its emergence in the 1800s to present day - the film will relive West 9th Street's glory days and uncover how Urban Renewal, The Eisenhower Interstate Program and more impacted its future. The screening is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Reserve your tickets now at: to.aetn.org/DreamLandPreviewScreeningTickets.

"Exploring Arkansas"

This month on "Exploring Arkansas" host Chuck Dovish learns how a mural restoration project has revitalized historic Berryville; revisits the pioneer era at Shiloh Museum of Ozark History in what is now Springdale; hikes along the White Cliffs Natural Area at Millwood Lake; and tours the world-renowned Daisy Airgun Museum in Rogers. Wednesday, March 1, at 6:30 p.m.

Spring Break at the Museum of Discovery

AETN and characters from "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood" and "Curious George" will be visiting the Museum of Discovery in downtown LittleRock for spring break fun. Join us for activities and photos with Daniel Tiger Monday, March 21, and with Curious George and the Man With the Yellow Hat Tuesday, March 22, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. each day.

"Champion Trees"

Escaping the ravages of nature and man, the champion trees are the largest of their species in any state. With lives spanning hundreds of years, these silent sentinels have watched history unfold around them. Explore these natural wonders and how they influence and inspire the people around them in this one-hour, AETN original documentary. Mondays, March 6-20, at 6:30 each night.

"Arkansans Ask"

Arkansas is home to 52 state parks, many attractions and special events: learn what they have to offer in a special episode of "Arkansans Ask." Representatives of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism will join host Steve Barnes live in studio to discuss the growing industry of tourism and its importance to the state's economy. Share your questions for them during the live broadcast at 800-662-2386, paffairs@aetn.org or on Twitter with #ARAsk. Thursday, March 23, at 7 p.m.

AETN PBS KIDS Writers Contest

AETN is accepting entries for the 2017 AETN PBS KIDS Writers Contest through April 7. Fact or fiction, prose or poetry, handdrawn illustrations or original photography, we encourage kindergarten through third grade students to submit whatever tales they choose. For contest rules and information, as well as easy-tofollow brainstorming activities to help students get started, visit aetn.org/writerscontest.

"Agri Arkansas"

March's episode features the highflying work of some Arkansas Aerial Applicators or, as they're often called, crop dusters. The program will also investigate the mission of Future Farmers of America (FFA). Sunday, March 26, at 1 p.m.

"Cooking on the Wild Side"

In this month's episode, Phyllis Speer gets things started with two varieties of Venison Jerky. She also cooks up a main dish that will put wild game to use and please any crowd with a recipe for Elk Stromboli. Last is a hearty meal with a special Phyllis twist: Venison Parmesan. Tuesday, March 21, at 6:30 p.m.

"Africa's Great Civilizations"

Continue an in-depth examination of the history of Africa, from the birth of humankind to the dawn of the 20th century, with Henry Louis Gates Jr. The breathtaking and personal journey through 200,000 years of history on the African continent - from the origins of art, writing and civilization itself through the millennia in which Africa and Africans shaped not only their own rich civilizations, but also the wider world. March 1-2, at 8 each night.

"Command and Control"

Discover the terrifying truth behind one of America's most dangerous nuclear accidents - the deadly 1980 incident at a Damascus, Arkansas, Titan II missile complex - in special rebroadcasts of the chilling, minute-by-minute account of the long hidden story. Tuesday, March 14, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 18, at 3 p.m.; and Sunday, March 19, at 9 p.m.

AETN Arts Fridays

March 3: "AETN Presents: On the Front Row With Adam Faucett and the Tall Grass," 6:30 p.m., and "Hamilton's America," 8 p.m.

March 10: "AETN Presents: On the Front Row With Amasa Hines," 6:30 p.m.; "My Music: This Land Is Your Land," 8 p.m.; and "Jesse Cook: Live in Concert," 9:30 p.m.

March 17: "AETN Presents: On the Front Row With the Amy Garland Band," 6:30 p.m., and "Friar Alessandro: The Voice of Assisi," 8 p.m.

March 31: "Great Performances: Dudamel Conducts Tangos Under the Stars With the L.A. Philharmonic," 8 p.m., and "Great Performances: Dudamel Conducts A John Williams Celebrations With the L.A. Philharmonic," 9:30 p.m.

Sunday Night Specials

March 5: "Mercy Street: House of Bondage," 7 p.m., and "Victoria: Young England," 8 p.m.